Malaysian travellers want India to study 'no-entry' visa rule

Kuala Lumpur, Apr 19 (ANI): The Indian Government is studying appeals from frequent Malaysian visitors and interested groups for the two-month "no-entry" visa ruling imposed here in January to be revoked.

The ruling, which bars tourist visa holders from re-entering India within two months of the last visit, has drawn flak from Malaysians who have been visiting friends and relatives in India without restrictions in the past.

"It is a fact that they have expressed dismay over this restriction. I explained that we are implementing a policy which has been enforced globally and that we are obliged to do so here," said new Indian High Commissioner Vijay Gokhale.

"I promised to reflect their concerns to New Delhi, which I have," he told The Star, adding that he had met with various groups of Malaysians to gather their views on the issue.

The Indian Government tightened its rules on long-term tourist visas, saying that the rules were meant to prevent the misuse of such visas by terrorists.

Malaysian tourists have been enjoying six-month multiple-entry visas, with many making use of the privilege for holidays.

With the new ruling, they will only be able to visit India twice within the visa-period.

Businessman T. Indran, a frequent traveller to Chennai, urged India to review the restriction due to the large number of Malaysian Indians who visit India. (ANI)